Information supplied by Havspaviljongen
See also Kökar Commune's own web site: www.kokar.aland.fi. (Swedish only, March 2001)
More Maps.
" Kökar is a unique archipelago community, where the sea is always close at hand. The rocks are barren and there is practically no forest. It is indeed a magnificent sea-washed and wind-swept island. Kökar has a rich and colourful history. The first habitants were sealhunters who settled at Otterböte approx. 1000 BC. In the outer archipelago there are relics from the Middle Ages when fishing became the most important source of income. During the 15th century a Franciscan monastery was founded on Hamnö. This place became a spiritual and cultural centre for the entire archipelago. Today the ruins of the monastery share their site with Kökar's church from 1748. In the Fransican chapel beside the church there archaeological excavations on Hamnö. Kalen, with its hiking paths and remains of extensive fortifications, shows the strategic importance that Kökar had during the last two world wars. Kökar's homestead museum gives a wonderful insight into times gone by. Should you wish to experience the outer archipelago, Källskär with its barren loneliness and rock formations is worth a visit. The Kökar of today is a vital archipelago communty. Shipping, tourism and the municipality employ most of the inhabitants. There are wonderful opportunities for both the individuals and groups to enjoy openair, fishing and boating holidays. Extensive services and good ferry communications make Kökar and its surroundings a little paradise for each visitor." |
Text from a short broshure (summer 1999)
"Kökar Välkommen Tervetuloa Welcome" |
Poplulation: | 320 |
Total Area: | 804 km2, land: 57km2 |
Local council: | Karlby, phone: 018- 55 829 |
Taxi: | phone: 049-721 207 |
Chemist: | Karlby Post Office, phone 018-55 735 |
Distr. Nurse: | phone: 018-55 726, 040- 732 69 85 |
Post Office: | Karlby, phone 018-55 735 |
Police: | Hellsö, phone 10 022 |
Coast Guard: | phone 018-55 711, 020-410 72 10 |
Library: | Hellsö museum, phone 018-55 723 |
Fishing licences: | At local shops and tourist centres. |
Public beach: | Flattö |
Public phones: | Harpanäs ferry harbor, Karlby district house, Hellsö shop. |
From broshure "Kökar Välkommen Tervetuloa Welcome" (summer 1999)
<Picture wanted...! Anyone that has a nice picture of the Museum, please feel free sending it to us.>
The Kökar Homestead Museum, located in an old schoolhouse, has on display many of the articles and tools used by the seal hunters. Get a glimpse of life on Kökar from the 1800's up to the 1940's. There are several other buildings on the museum grounds open to the public. Among them a display hall with different types of boats, a crofter's cottage and a shed for livestock. Normally open between mid-June to mid-August, Tuesdays to Sundays 12-17. Entrence fee. |
Text
from a short broshure (summer 1999)
"Kökar Välkommen Tervetuloa Welcome" |
(Click on picture for larger copy...)